1. First Fridays at Venice
Escape the tourist feel of Venice Beach on Abbot Kinney Blvd. On any given day this street is full of interesting shops, bars and restaurants, but on the first Friday of every month it comes alive with a multitude of art, music and food to enjoy. 

Free Friday July 2nd, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 

2. Palisades Parade and Fireworks
Feeling sentimental? Want to recreate that old-fashioned 4th of July feeling? Head to the classic Independence Day Parade and fireworks in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond Street. Free Sunday, July 4th, Parade at 1:50 p.m., Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. 

3. Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach
Tired of the traditional? If you don't feel like watching a classic Independence Day parade, instead watch some extremely fit people parade their muscles around at the Venice Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach contest. I can't think of a more entertaining and amusing way to spend the 4th.
Free Sunday, July 4th, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

4. Brite Spot
This classic diner is a perfect stop after checking out a show at the Echo or for anyone with a late-night craving. Open until 4:00 a.m. on the weekends, this restaurant serves breakfast at all hours, and the mixture of classic and slightly disturbing decor keeps your eyes entertained, while your mouth is busy with the chow. Yeah, the service sometimes sucks, but most agree this is part of its charm.
Meals from $8 to $15 Weekend hours 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. 

5. Book Booth
So your summer reading list is a bit sparse. Let someone else decide what you read, and help out a stranger with his or her list. If you're in the area, stop by the Highland Park Literary Exchange Book Booth and pick up your next summer read. Then log onto Book Crossing to find out who had the book before you and track its literary journey. Just make sure you leave a book (or two, or three) when you take one.

 

Reach reporter Rebecca Kirkman here.